Chief Harrison Announces Realignment Of NOPD Senior Leadership Team
NEW ORLEANS—Today, NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison announced a series of changes to the department’s senior leadership team that are designed to build on efforts already in place to modernize the department, improve police services and reduce overall crime across the city. The realignment, which takes effect on January 3, 2016, places new leadership in key positions across the department.
“Quality leadership is the key to ensuring our long-term growth and success,” said NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison. “This new team represents the next generation of leaders at the NOPD. They have a proven track record of commitment to community and dedication to the department. As we move into the New Year, I am confident that these individuals will help us continue the progress we’ve made.”
The following personnel changes will take place effective Sunday, January 3, 2016:
• Paul Noel, who currently serves as the Commander of the Second District, will become Deputy Chief of the Field Operations Bureau (FOB). Under this assignment, Noel will oversee all eight police districts and the Special Operations Division. Noel is an 18-year veteran of the NOPD. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University New Orleans. He is also a 2007 graduate of the FBI National Academy and a frequent guest lecturer at Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans. Noel replaces Robert Bardy who retired from the NOPD last week.
• John Thomas, who currently serves as the Commander of the Compliance Division, will become the Deputy Chief of Management Services Bureau (MSB). Under this assignment, Thomas will be responsible for overseeing the NOPD Training Academy, the Administrative Duties Division, Fleet Management, Personnel and Human Resources. Thomas is a 24-year veteran of the NOPD. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University New Orleans and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University College of Law. Thomas replaces Stephanie Landry who will take over management of the department’s budget.
• Otha Sandifer, who currently serves as the Commander of the First District, will become the Commander of the Compliance Division. Under this assignment, Thomas will be responsible for managing the department’s policy implementation related to the Consent Decree, including performance standards, crime analysis and body worn cameras. Sandifer is a 22-year veteran of the NOPD. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Loyola University New Orleans. Sandifer replaces John Thomas who will assume the duties of Deputy Chief of MSB.
• Hans Ganthier, who currently serves as the Assistant Commander of the Fifth District, will become the Commander of the First District. Under this assignment, Ganthier will oversee police services for the Treme and Mid-City neighborhoods. Ganthier is a 17-year veteran of the NOPD. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Ganthier replaces Otha Sandifer who will assume the duties of Commander of the Compliance Bureau.
• Shaun Ferguson, who currently serves as the Commander of the Fourth District, will become the Commander of the Second District. Under this assignment, Ferguson will oversee police services for the Uptown and Carrollton neighborhoods. Ferguson is a 17-year veteran of the NOPD. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Southern University of New Orleans. He is currently working on obtaining his Master’s Degree. Ferguson replaces Paul Noel who will assume the duties of Deputy Chief of FOB.
• Ceasar Ruffin, who currently serves as the Assistant Commander of the Fourth District, will become the Commander of the Fourth District. Under this assignment, Ruffin will oversee police services for the Algiers neighborhood. Ruffin is a 19-year veteran of the NOPD. He has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Delgado Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. Ruffin replaces Shaun Ferguson who will assume the duties of Commander of the Second District.
